A HEADMASTER has called for the reintroduction of compulsory language classes in schools to prevent what he called the “worrying insularity” of society getting worse.

Richard Cairns, headmaster of Brighton College, said the “sorry decline” in the number of students studying languages is “damaging on so many levels” and that the Government needs a plan to reverse the problem.

His comments came as several of his students at the independent school achieved top marks in a range of languages at A-level, including Mandarin.

Experts have raised concerns because the number of students studying languages at state schools has dropped, and analysis of Ucas data revealed the number of applications for foreign language degrees plummeted in the last decade.

More students took A level Chinese than German this year, according to data from the Joint Council for Qualifications released on Thursday, sparking fears that the European language is heading for extinction.

Mr Cairns said: “The sorry decline in numbers studying languages is damaging on so many levels but must be of particular concern to a Government that espouses a vision of Britain as open for business with the world.

“Compulsory language education needs to be reintroduced, with a national strategy emulating the success of those in the Netherlands or Scandinavia.

“Otherwise, the worrying insularity in our society will only deepen.

“Contrary to what seems to be happening nationally with pupils choosing not to study languages any more, we have seen a real interest in pursuing languages.

“Pupils can study French, German, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Russian and Mandarin here.

“Back in 2006, we introduced Mandarin for our pupils from the age of four and the culture of language learning and its benefits are instilled early.”

George Cook, who plays in the under-18 England rugby counties squad, transferred from Hazelwick School in Crawley to join Brighton College’s sixth form and is a head boy.

The 18-year-old got A*s in French, German, Latin and maths, and will now study French and German at Cambridge, hoping languages will help his career prospects, whatever he chooses to do.

He said: “I just picked languages up and enjoyed them.

“I found German the hardest, because of the order of the words, and enjoyed French the most.

“It’s really important to study languages so you can understand other cultures.

“When you go abroad there is a widespread belief everyone should speak English but we should try and understand what we can.”

All five students who studied Mandarin at Brighton College gained the highest possible mark when they received their results on Thursday – a D1 which is the equivalent of an A* under A-level alternative test the Cambridge Pre-U.

Four of them will study Mandarin at university, including two at Oxbridge.

Moyo Oloko, 18, who lives in Sussex, also gained As in French and maths.

In September she starts a degree in French and Chinese at Edinburgh University and is eager to travel as part of any future career plans.

She said: “I’m really overwhelmed. I didn’t expect to do so well. It was compulsory in Year 7 and once I got into it I was intrigued.”